Terrific Tonya Heathco,Empowered Seizure Survivor! Life Long Lover of Learning Worthiness and Well-Being Coach Teacher & Student of Pay Me What I'm Worth Are you feeling benefit in every day? A strong sense of worth helps us see how we get paid in every way, every day!

I've been really enjoying David Swenson's Primary Series (Ashtanga). He gives you different levels of each posture and encourages to just be where you are. I think I will be doing the first series for a while as there is much room to improve. So the second and third series will probably be accomplished at some point down the road! I also love Rodney Yee (Total Body and Intermediate).

I have several yoga DVDs; Yoga Zone (which were my first ones and to this day I enjoy them tremendously!), 2 from Yoga Journal (each has 3x 20 min sessions), Hemalayaa's Yoga (love her!) and recently I've gotten into Kundalini yoga (Ravi & Ana) and chakra Yoga. I have a few Bryan Kest as well but more and more I tend towards gentle restorative yoga.

I own a couple of yoga/pilates dvds, my problem seems to be that I buy one, do it once and want something different next time... I recently stumbled on myyogaonline.com. For the price of a new DVD you can get a monthly subscription with access to thousands of videos. Not all the videos are practice videos there are some really good anatomy ones about which muscles support what, why they are important to build etc. Plus some great videos on how to do certain poses without hurting yourself, proper form etc. The practice videos vary in length from a few minutes to 90 minutes so I like that I can log on and tailor a practice to my mood for the day. I don't really have any yoga books though I was looking at some in Carrefour the other day...but they were all in Chinese (I live in Shanghai) and there seemed to be gaps in the pictures as in lacking proper way to get from one pose to the next. I'm pretty happy with the website though and its good because I am broke and can't afford to take classes over here (even though everything in China is supposed to be CHEAP!) all I have been able to find is classes that are going to run me as much or more than they would have in the states. I definitely think this is a good way for beginners to start yoga on the cheap. Good Luck!

Everyone here seems really well-versed! I am just getting started in yoga, and I have been using Yoga Zone DVDs -- are they any good? For people who actually know yoga, are they the ones you would recommend, or should I invest in another DVD?

Falon Madison, WI ~ Central

Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.

Team leader of Francophiles Team leader of Sparklers Learning to be Assertive Team Leader of French Women don't get fat Team Leader of Eating Whole Foods Team Leader of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

I sure can. It depends on what you are looking for. Is it poses or the practice, both? Or more of a daily read? If you can write a bit about what you want to explore I can at least point you in a direction. The topic is vast. :)

Team leader of Francophiles Team leader of Sparklers Learning to be Assertive Team Leader of French Women don't get fat Team Leader of Eating Whole Foods Team Leader of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

My current (and only!) yoga DVD is Rodney Yee's Advanced Yoga. Most of it is pretty basic, but towards the end, he'll flip up into crazy poses that are way beyond my capabilities right now. I like that though because it gives me something to work towards, but I could still do most of the DVD and just modify the later parts.

Hi, nice list I will look for the kundalini yoga, also Im looking for recomendations about the branch or school tantra yoga, I have an assigmentin (for my teacher training certification program) on the 20th of this month to explain tantra yoga , also for May I have assigment to do a practice and explain Kundalini yoga style and Sampoorna Yoga style, I have more time for the styles but for the branch tantra I dont have much time, any link or sugestions ,books and videos, will be very welcome, I agree with you that the practice of yoga its a practice of enhacement of your being and Iam very glad of this training because its giving me a tone of info to grow.Have a great day,Namaste

Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Yoga Journal and Timothy Mccall

A Year of Living Your Yoga: Daily Practices to Shape Your Life by Judith Hanson Lasater

The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker's Guide to Extraordinary Living by Stephen Cope

The American Yoga Association's Easy Does It Yoga : The Safe and Gentle Way to Health and Well-Being

The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice by Georg Feuerstein and Ken Wilbur

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga: A Practical Guide to Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit by Deepak Chopra and David Simon

Yoga For Children by Mary Stewart

The Language Of Yoga: Complete A to Y guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants by Nicolai Bachman

Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story (Storytime Yoga)

Yoga RX: A Step-by-Step Program to Promote Health, Wellness, and Healing for Common Ailments by Larry Payne, Richard Usatine,

he Runner's Yoga Book: A Balanced Approach to Fitness by Jean Couch (Rodmell Press, 1992). One of the best introductions to the practice of yoga postures. Clearly written and well organized, with more than 400 illustrations and photographs. The models demonstrate three levels of practiceï¿½beginning, intermediate, and advancedï¿½so this book will have a long shelf life and be useful for years to come. Covers nearly 100 postures (along with variations), all of them suitable for beginners. Also includes sections on yoga basics and organizing a home practice.

Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind: A Guide to Personal Reintegration by A.G. Mohan (Sterling Publications, 1995). A traditional approach to yoga from a student of the late T. Krishnamacharya, one of the great yoga teachers of this century. Includes introductory chapters on yoga and personal reintegration and the role of the postures, basic instructions on 23 postures (including three inversions), and the proper sequencing (vinyasa) of a daily practice, yoga breathing, meditation, and yoga therapy.

Yoga for Dummies by Georg Feuerstein & Larry Payne (IDG Books Worldwide, 1999). Yes, the title is a little off-putting, but think of it this way: According to the ancient yogis, we're all infected with a kind of spiritual ignorance that makes us "dummies" about the nature of our true selves. This book will no doubt make us a lot smarter. Feuerstein is one of the finest and most prolific contemporary writers on yoga and yoga-related subjects, and Payne is a master of "user-friendly" yoga.

The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality through Essential Breath Work by Donna Farhi (Holt, 1996). An excellent introduction to the "essentials" of breathwork that will help the beginner prepare for pranayama, the practice of yoga breathing. Features sections on basic breathing awareness and the anatomy of breathing, common breathing obstacles, preparatory exercises, simple yoga breathing, breathing for couples, breathing "meditations," and breathing for health and well-being, focusing on various health-related conditions (such as stress, headache, and insomnia), childbirth and menopause, and athletic performance.

The Tree of Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar (Shambhala, 1989). A general introduction to yoga and its practices by one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world today. Chapters are mostly short "meditations" on subjects like yoga and its place in our daily life, the practical and symbolic meanings of the various classical practices, yoga and health, and the physical, psychological, and spiritual effects of yoga.

â™¦ Intermediate Books

Light on Yoga (Schocken, 1995) and

Light On Pranayama (Crossroad Publishing, 1995) by B.K.S. Iyengar. These companion volumes are classic twentieth-century instruction manuals that should be in every student's library, regardless of his or her chosen approach. Light on Yoga offers detailed instruction in 200 yoga postures, illustrated with more than 600 photographs. Light on Pranayama is the most comprehensive text available on the practice of yoga breathing. Sections cover the theory and "art" of pranayama, and the techniques of the primary breathing exercises.

Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann (Pocket Books, 1996). Schiffmann is one of this country's most respected teachers. He has a unique perspective on yoga practice and writes about it with grace and intelligence. The first two sections spotlight basic exercises for breath- and self-awareness, and the fundamentals of yoga postures. The book's core surveys more than 40 major asanas. Concluding sections treat meditation and techniques for cultivating "spontaneous wisdom."

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar (Inner Traditions, 1995). Mr. Desikachar is, along with Mr. Iyengar, one of the most influential teachers in the twentieth century. There are really three books in this one volume: a practical guide to yoga postures, breathing, and "locks" (bandha); a survey of classical yoga philosophy (which includes transcripts of question-and-answer sessions with Mr. Desikachar and his students); and Mr. Desikachar's translation of, and commentary on, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra (a good introduction to this fundamental yoga text).

Kundalini Yoga for the West by Swami Sivananda Radha (Timeless Books, 1993). I went back and forth a long time between this book and Swami Radha's delightful Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language. Kundalini Yoga explores the "mystical aspects" of hatha yoga through the six traditional energy centers (chakra) in the subtle body. Contains a wealth of information about the yoga tradition and its symbolism, personal thoughts and reflections on a variety of topics (e.g., death, ego and self-image, worship, and kundalini, the cosmic energy at the base of the spine), self-awareness exercises, visualizations, and yoga practices.

Bhagavad Gita (Lord's Song) Recommended translations by R.C. Zaehner (Oxford University Press, 1969) or Barbara Stoler Miller (Bantam, 1986). One of the two traditional scriptures (along with Yoga Sutra) that should be read by every serious yoga student. Written by an anonymous sage sometime in the third or fourth century B.C. and inserted as a very small episode (about 700 stanzas) into the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, the Gita is a poetic discourse on an integral yoga that combines the paths of intuitive wisdom (jnana), selfless action (karma), and devotion (bhakti). I like the Zaehner translation and commentary, but many students find it too academic. The Stoler Miller translation includes an interesting afterword about the Bhagavad Gita's influence on Henry David Thoreau's Walden.

â™¦ Advanced Books

Power Yoga by Beryl Bender Birch (Fireside, 1995). Power Yoga is one of the most popular and challenging forms of contemporary yoga. While Birch writes about her life in yoga with an engagingly personal touch, her posture instructions are direct and precise. Covers the history of Power Yoga, breathing techniques, two variations of Sun Salutation, nearly 40 standing, seated, and closing postures of the "primary series" (which emphasizes forward bends), 14 introductory postures for the "second series" (emphasizing backbends), and yoga therapy.

Science of Breath: A Practical Guide by Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine, and Alan Hymes (Himalayan Institute Press, 1998). A perspicacious examination of the relationship between the anatomy and mechanics of breathing and the practice of pranayama by two medical doctors and the founder of the Himalayan Institute. Chapters on "Why Breathe," "Respiration and the Chest," "Nasal Function and Energy," and "The Science of Prana." The last chapter covers breathing exercises and techniques, cleansing exercises, and sitting postures.

The Yoga Tradition by Georg Feuerstein (Hohm, 1998). The Yoga Tradition is the culmination of Feuerstein's large and distinguished body of work on the history, philosophy, literature, and practices of yoga. It covers the evolution of yoga from its archaic roots in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization (in what is now Pakistan) some 5,000 years ago, to the appearance of hatha yoga around the tenth century. Includes translations of primary yoga texts (some in full, some selected sections) such as the Yoga Sutra, the Shiva Sutra, and the Yoga Vasishtha.

The Yoga of Light by Hans Ulrich Rieker (Dawn Horse Press, 1996). This rendition of the Hatha Yoga Pradipikaï¿½one of the classic instructional manuals of hatha yogaï¿½is Elsy Becherer's English translation of Rieker's German translation. Written in the mid-fourteenth century by Svatmarama Yogindra, it's divided into four chapters that cover the foundation practices of "forceful" (hatha) training: asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), mudra (seals), and samadhi (absorption). I must admit that I'm not entirely happy with this particular translation and commentary; however, it's the only one widely available and until something better comes along, will have to serve.

Yoga Sutra (Aphorisms on Yoga) by Patanjali; recommended translations include The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali by Georg Feuerstein (Inner Traditions, 1990) and Yoga: The Discipline of Freedom: The Yoga Sutra Attributed To Patanjali by Barbara Stoler Miller (Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1998) and The Essence of Yoga: Reflections on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Bernard Bouanchaud (Sterling Publications, 1997). The Yoga Sutra is the basic textbook of classical yoga, compiled by Patanjali in the second or third century. The first systematic presentation of the yoga vision (darshana) that influenced many subsequent schools. There are numerous translations/commentaries available. Feuerstein's translation adheres most closely to the original letter and spirit of the text, but many of my students find it too academic. Stoler Miller's translation is short and reader friendly. Bouanchaud appends a number of thought-provoking themes for personal reflection to each sutra.

â™¦ 10 Videos for the Library

Kripalu Yoga Dynamic with Stephen Cope (Kripalu Yoga Fellowship, PO Box 793, Lenox, MA 01240; (888) 399-1332; 85 min.; $19.95). Whenever I see a tape from the Kripalu organization, two words come to mind: integrity and intelligence. Cope, a senior teacher and scholar-in-residence at the Kripalu Center, has an impressive understanding of the subtleties of the work. He presents a dynamic sequence of about 30 postures that's accessible to all levels of students.

Kundalini Yoga: The Challenge with Donna Davidge (Shoestring Productions, 213 Mott St. #C1, New York, NY 10012; (888) 235-2395; 50 min.; $19.95). To me, Kundalini Yoga is the most exotic of all the forms of yoga. This session includes a few traditional static postures, but these are interspersed with lots of quick movements (like rocking or rolling the abdomen, up-and-down squats, and jogging in place) that kindle the belly and spine. Though it's active, the practice is still accessible to all levels of students.

Desikachar Conversations: The Yoga Questions with T.K.V. Desikachar (The Heart of Yoga Association, 971 Manzanita St., Los Angeles, CA 90029; (323) 661-1500; 35 min.; $25). The only interview tape among the listed 10. Mr. Desikachar is one of the most influential yogis of the twentieth century. He's the son and student of T. Krishnamacharya, considered by many authorities to be the greatest yoga teacher of our time. Mr. Desikachar answers 17 basic questions about yoga with wisdom and compassion. A splendid introduction to both the practical and spiritual sides of yoga.

Power & Precision: Power Yoga for Beginners with Baron Baptiste (Baptiste Power Yoga Institute, P.O. Box 400279, Cambridge, MA 02140; (800) 936-9642; 60 min.; $25). Power Yoga is an offshoot of the popular Pattabhi Jois-based Ashtanga system. This challenging session includes Sun Salutations, standing postures, backbends, and familiar floor exercises. Baptiste has a sincere and expressive delivery that emphasizes both the physical challenges of the practice as well as its more meditative qualities.

Yoga: Alignment and Form with John Friend (Purple Pentacle Enterprises, 722 Shenandoah, Spring, TX 77381; (888) 398-9642; 90 min.; $29.95). Friend is one of the most popular teachers in this country, and one look at this video and you'll see why. His teaching seamlessly blends the best of Iyengar-style physical precision with his own distinctive brand of psychological and spiritual insight. I first reviewed this work five years ago, and I still think it's one of the best instructional tapes available for all levels of students.

aerobic Yoga: The Flow Series with Tracey Rich and Ganga White (White Lotus Foundation, 2500 San Marcos Path, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; (800) 544-FLOW; 60 min.; $19.95). This practice is based on a flow series linked by Sun Salutations. It includes traditional Sun Salutations and variations, standing postures, backbends and abdominal work, forward bends and hip openers, and inverted poses. It's suitable for experienced students who want to cultivate strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Yoga Workout Series for Beginnerswith Lilias Folan (Goldhil Home Media, 137 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 207, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; (800) 250-8760; 2 tapes, 120 min.; $29.95). No list of videos to enhance your practice would be complete without one from Lilias. She has a totally engaging presence and a down-to-earth delivery that makes even the most "alien" Eastern practices seem completely natural. There are four very mild, 30-minute sessions in this package, culled from her popular PBS series.

Yoga Unveiled With stunning cinematography, ornate visual displays and stirring music, Yoga Unveiled reveals how yoga began, tells the story of its passage to the West, describes its numerous branches, recounts the fascinating biographies of the foremost yoga masters, and explores yoga's astonishing medical potential. Great devotees of yoga, such as Indra Devi, Patabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar, Georg Feuerstein, Patricia Walden, and Rodney Yee grace the screen with their profound wisdom and delightful manner. Yoga Unveiled is a unique look at the oldest spiritual practice in the world, and a must for anyone dipping their toes or becoming expert swimmers in the vast ocean of yoga practice.

Yoga for the rest of us.

MUDRAS Healing Mudras: yoga for Your Hands by Sabrina Mesko

Yoga For The Hands by Sabrina Mesko

Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands by Gertrud Hirschi

Mudra: Gestures of Power VHS ~ Sabrina Mesko

Sign Language of the Soul: A Handbook for... by Dale H. Schusterman

Mantras and Mudras: Meditations for the Ha... by Lillian Too

Mudra: Early Songs and Poems by Chogyam Trungpa

Members Recomendations: RaviAna www.raviana.com/ I've been very happy with this DVD and have ordered a bunch of other ones as a result. I've watched the other ones I purchased and done one of them, and they are what I needed right now. They've made a world of difference. www.amazon.com/Kundalini-Beginners-Beyond-

Edited by: MAHITA_DEVI at: 2/8/2008 (18:47)

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